Why go: Before fast-food outlets and chain motels, there was the Lincoln Highway, the nation's first transcontinental paved road. Though the original 3,380-mile route through 13 states has disappeared in spots, U.S. 30, aka "American's Main Street," still has a huge fan base. Many will pay their respects in Kearney June 30-July 1 at a centennial celebration that is expected to draw a huge collection of really vintage cars (pre-1930). Classic autos spanning five decades will be parked on the town's five-block brick-paved downtown streets.

Don't miss: A 200-car convoy of classic vehicles that will converge in Kearney on June 30, arriving from the Lincoln Highway's eastern and western origins. On July 1, the nearby Great Platte River Road Archway will feature vintage trailers and a re-created stretch of highway constructed from 10 tons of its original bricks.

Why go: A half-century after key events unleashed national outrage that helped lead to equal rights, Birmingham is commemorating that pivotal time with exhibits, performances and re-enactments throughout the year. Events are concentrated in the city's Civil Rights District, which includes the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four young girls were killed by a Ku Klux Klan bomb in 1963; at Kelly Ingram Park, site of historic demonstrations; and at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Don't miss: The May 2 re-creation of the "Children's Crusade," one in a series of non-violent protests in which hundreds of black students marched on City Hall.

The deal: Free audio tours of Kelly Ingram Park, where life-size statues of jailed students and police attack dogs memorialize the Children's Crusade. A related exhibit opens May 2 at the Civil Rights Institute.

Spanish settlers built the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine.(Photo: Amy Sancetta, AP)

500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EUROPEAN DISCOVERY OF FLORIDA

Why go: Commemorative events are scheduled statewide throughout 2013, but as the landing spot of the first European explorers, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and beach areas along the state's northeast coast are taking center stage with multiple events.

Don't miss: On April 3, five centuries to the day after Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León blew to shore and proclaimed this place La Florida, costumed interpreters will re-enact the landing, accompanied by a cannon salute. Other doings: May 10-20, the St. Augustine Romanza will stage 60-plus cultural shows and exhibits. The refurbished Colonial Quarter, a two-acre living history attraction on St. Augustine's waterfront, reopens March 16. And an exhibit featuring 39 works by Picasso is at the city's visitor information center through May 11.

Stay high and dry on the shore to see catamarans sail for victory.(Photo: Eric Risberg, AP)

34TH AMERICA'S CUP RACES

San Francisco

Why go: The catamarans are three times faster than in previous races (reaching speeds of up to 60 mph), and for the first time in the history of the Cup, spectators can view the action from the shore. The three-stage marathon event plays out from July through September.

Don't miss: Dynamic changes to the San Francisco waterfront, including a new $90 million cruise-ship terminal that will serve as race headquarters. Look for pedestrian-friendly improvements at popular tourist haunt Fisherman's Wharf, where the new Pier 43 Promenade has plenty of seating with views. America's Cup Park, on Piers 27 and 29, will have entertainment and live race commentary. After dark, take in Bay Lights (March through 2015), an installation of 25,000 LEDs on the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

The deal: Season tickets with bleacher seating start at $999. But spectators can view the action for free from numerous waterfront venues.

A fence marks the spot of Pickett's Charge on the 6,000-acre Gettysburg battlefield. Choose your side when rangers re-enact the attack July 3.(Photo: Gettysburg Convention & Visitor's Bureau)

150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG (June 28-July 7)

Why go: With the sesquicentennials of both the battle (July 1-3) and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (Nov. 19) in 2013, this Pennsylvania town and adjacent Gettysburg National Military Park are awash in related tributes. Core events are June 28-July 7, including two separate battle re-enactments, living history encampments and the July 1 opening of Seminary Ridge Museum in a former battlefield hospital.

Don't miss: A chance to step into history on July 3, when park rangers lead a battlefield re-enactment of Pickett's Charge, a face-off between Confederate and Union soldiers that marked a turning point in the war. Participants can choose their allegiance.

The deal: Visit before or after the core 10-day commemoration for themed package deals March 17-Nov. 17, which bundle lodging, admission to local attractions and restaurant meals at reduced rates.